Called to be free!

You my brothers and sisters were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:13-14

As Americans, we value our freedom. The second sentence of the Declaration of Independence, claims liberty as a “certain inalienable right,” alongside life and the pursuit of happiness. The concept of freedom was one of America’s founding principles from the very moment this nation was established.

Later, when the First Amendment of the Constitution was passed our freedom again took center stage as we claimed the right of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom to peacefully assemble and freedom to petition the government.

As Americans, our freedom is woven into who we.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul offers a different understanding of freedom – one that’s intended not just for our own individual benefit, but for the benefit of others as well. Paul’s sense of freedom is much bigger than any government, law, declaration or constitution can offer us, because his understanding of freedom has its foundation in Christ.

Paul turns our American notion of freedom on its head, reminding us that our freedom in Christ isn’t about what we can get, but about what we can give. Our freedom in Christ is not about how we can get ahead, but about how we can put others ahead of ourselves.

Paul gives us the call to live a selfless freedom focused not on our own self but on serving one another humbly in love.